Member Reviews
ARC received from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
IS IT HOT IN HERE?! Excuse me while I go take a cold shower ...
I devoured this book. So fun. So sexy. So cute. Everything I’ve come to expect from Tessa Bailey. The tension between Piper and Brendan was insane, but oh so worth it. Their relationship is adorable and a surprisingly heartfelt testament to how opposites attract.
Can’t wait for the next in the series!
Oh my goodness. Oh my gosh! You guys! This is it!
This is the kind of high I endlessly chase. The kind with all the feels and butterflies. The kind that makes my heart sit up and take notice, flipping and fluttering and delivering that most delicious ache in my chest. The kind of book I want to keep on reading forever because I'm so effortlessly and hopelessly in love with the characters and their rich, heartfelt relationship.
It Happened One Summer was solid gold.
I can't even tell you how much I loved this book. I was hooked immediately, drawn in by Piper's effusive charm. I am a huge fan of Schitt's Creek and I was a little concerned about how a character loosely based on Alexis would translate here. But it was perfection. Tessa Bailey perfectly captured the depth that lay beneath Piper's shallow, airheaded veneer. The story perfectly captured the sweetness of her heart. Even her insecurities were written in a way that made them relatable and endearing and, frankly, impossible not to love.
And Brendan? Holy Hannah you guys, you are not ready for the magnificence that was Brendan. Honest to goodness I think he might be one of my all-time favorite romance heroes. The sea captain was so virile and manly. He was gruff and growly in that way that I love, and completely bowled over by his feelings for Piper in that way that I love even more. I loved his steadfast, true heart. I loved his tamed alpha vibe. He was everything I love about romance heroes.
The chemistry between these two was absolute fire. It sparked and sizzled page after page keeping me hungry for more as I greedily devoured the perfection of their romance. It was sinfully sexy, but somehow done in a way that added depth to the romance. I keep throwing the word "perfect" out there, but honestly - that's how I felt about so much of this book.
This was the kind of story that filled me up inside. I swooned so hard, I'd be surprised if you can't see my heart-eyeballs from space. I loved literally every moment i spent reading it. It was smart and snappy, devilishly dirty (Lawd, but in the best way) and an absolute joy to read. I'm hopelessly in love with these two. My heart isn't ready to let them go - but I am stoked that there is at least one other book in this series. I can't wait to learn more about Hannah and Fox - who played their hand at scene-stealing more than once in this story. I feel like I'm already half in love with them and I can't wait to see what comes next. Lest there be any doubt, I am already all-in for more where this fabulousness came from!
Received from NetGalley for review.
This is hard to write. I like the author’s books but this was one I couldn’t get into. It starts off as 1st person POV and then changes to 3rd, personally I hate 3rd person POV. The heroine is a spoiled little brat who is sent to the town where her parents used to live. When does someone who is in jail start talking with a guard about the shade of khakis they are dressed in? I wanted to like it but couldn’t get very far.
If this is your trope, you may like it. I give it 3 stars due to the fact that it could be me and not the book. (less)
Am I the only one that can't get enough of Tessa Bailey?? I can read all of her books again and again, I love her work. This book was no different, it did give me Schitts Creek vibes and I couldn't stop laughing at Piper's stupid antics, I as I was reading I kept forgetting that she is 28, not 18, her younger sister was way more mature, and I know I was not the only one thinking this will also make a great show.
Piper was sent to Westport by her rich producer stepdad to teach her a lesson on responsibility, since she is a hot mess and has really nothing going for herself. Her real dad was a fishermen, and owned a business so the sisters inherited it, and of course Hannah was not going to let her sister fend for herself, plus, its only for 3 months. But the girls had a huge rude awakening.
Then we meet Brendan, who, as soon as he meets Piper he's already judging her, until he actually gets to find out while talking to her that she not this spoiled brat that he thinks she is. I loved their connection, from the start I knew this was going to be something explosive, it was hard for me to envision Piper acting like an adult, but when they were together it was something magical. These characters were amazing.
I cant wait to read Hannah's story to see what happens with Brendan and Piper, because this love story left me hanging and I am very ansty over here, lol.
Thanks NetGalley and the Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
I don't think I could possibly have loved It Happened One Summer more than I do. It has everything that makes a great book in my opinion. It's hilarious, sweet, has a gruff grumpy widower, a slightly clueless heroine with a heart of gold, a small coastal pnw town, great secondary characters, and holy sh*t it's hot. I really love Piper and Hannah's diehard bond. Just trust me on this, you need to read this book, it'll make you laugh and maybe even have a tear or two. I can not wait for Hannah's book!
This book was super cute! After meeting Piper, the quintessential and stereotypical LA bimbo, we're immediately transportation to a sleepy fisherman's town, where Piper is truly a fish out of water. After meeting Brendan, the Captain of this sleepy fisherman's town, it's instantaneous that opposite's attract; however, through a lot of self reflection and growth, both Brendan and Piper start to realize that what they are leaving behind may be worth it for the future that's in front of them.
A feel good, uplifting, summer romance, Tessa Bailey does not disappoint here. If you're looking for an easy and good time, this is the book for you.
I loved this book. It did take me a few chapters to start liking Piper. The enemies to friends to lovers is definitely involved in the entire plot. It's one of the things that I loved most about the book. I also loved Brendan, he is big and burly but lets his guard down with Piper. The book ended very well and would love to continue reading the series.
I have mixed feelings regarding this book's description. It compared Piper to Alexis Rose from Schitt's Creek, which immediately got me interested in reading It Happened One Summer. However, except for the fact that both characters begin as wealthy it-girls, lose their funding in some manner, and love clothing and impractical shoes, I didn't see too many similarities... which is probably why I was so disappointed with the first portion of the book. Fortunately, around the time Brendan became important, I forgot about the comparison and began to enjoy the novel in its own right. I guess one part of the comparison to Schitt's Creek was accurate: I was disappointed with the start of both but happy I stuck around by the end.
Due to the weakness in the start of the story, bolstered by the stronger ending and robust characterization, I would probably give this book 3.5 stars. But I'll bolster that up to 4 since the "romance" (re: smut) scenes definitely earned 5.
Here's the thing about Tessa Bailey: whenever I want to read an entertaining and comical romance (with a nice bit of heat), I know she will not disappoint!
I initially got Alexis Rose vibes from Piper when I read the description, but Piper came through with her level of hilariousness that soon shaped her into her unique character, and Alexis was quickly forgotten. Brendan definitely delivered on the sex appeal and his own layers of comedy and romance. I loved the chemistry between the two characters and was here for ALL of their interactions!
I also really enjoyed the setting of the book being in a cute, coastal town. It made me feel like I was escaping in more ways than one!
I loved this book so much I read through it in less than 24hrs, and I was bummed when it was over. Tessa, please keep writing more of these great stories!
I'm thankful to Avon and Harper Voyager for giving me an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Adorable, silly, sexy, and endearing!
Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Schitt's Creek, so reading an Alexis-inspired rom-com was right up my alley! I couldn't get enough of the sunshine and grump, enemies to lovers, small town romance. The setting is idyllic, quaint, and has that neighborly feel. I appreciated the level of communication and understanding between Piper and Brendan and WHEW! - those steamy scenes!!! The dialogue and storyline is cleverly crafted with just the right amount of tension and familiarity, naivety and intuition. The characters are heartwarming, and there is great personal growth for both characters.
I cannot WAIT for Hannah's story!
Thanks Avon for the advanced read!
So, are we not going to talk about how AMAZING this book was?! Oh, turns out my friends, we are. Have you ever heard an elevator pitch for a book, added it instantly to your TBR, and read said book only to discover it was nothing like it sounded? I was fully prepared to feel that with this book. After all, comparing something to Schitt’s Creek is a pretty tall order to fill. However, THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING! Sorry to get shouty, but everyone needs to discover the sheer magnificence that is Piper, Brendan, and this whole damn book!
Piper is la la la la la la la a little bit Alexis and finds herself cut off from her family’s money and forced to the fishing town of Westport to learn responsibility while running her deceased father’s bar. Brendan is the quintessential grumpy (and alpha, although surprisingly not annoyingly so) captain of a fishing boat. In other words, her complete opposite. Their initial irritation with each other eventually flames into something more and I was here for it. Those scenes were steamy! The character growth in this book was such a delight and cleverly crafted and I absolutely cannot wait for Fox and Hannah’s book! Is it because I loved them as side characters or because I just want more of Piper and Brendan? Most definitely both!
*E-ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Piper Bellinger is notorious for being an LA party girl and social media darling. She spends the majority of her time shopping, rubbing elbows with celebrities at all the hottest clubs, and sharing every aspect of her luxurious life on Instagram with her millions of followers. After one bad post-break-up decision lands her in jail, her step-father finally puts his foot down on her excessive behavior. He cuts Piper off and sends her and her sister to a small fishing town in Washington to run their late father's dive bar hoping that she'll finally learn some responsibility.
It doesn't take long for Piper to realize she is way out of her depths. Most of the locals seem friendly enough, except for the bearded, giant, sea captain Brendan, who is counting down the days it'll take before Piper hightails it back to high society. Piper is not only determined to show Brendan and her step-father wrong but also prove to herself that she isn't the flighty airhead everyone thinks she is by renovating her father's old bar. The more time Piper spends in Westport, the more she starts to connect to this place, its people--especially the burly Brendan-- and her past, and realizes maybe there's more to life than follower counts.
I seem to have this issue with Tessa Bailey's books where I like the premise of them but something always seems to be lacking in the execution, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this. It was so addicting that I read it all in one go because I couldn't put it down. It was such a fun take on the opposites attract trope and I found myself unable to wipe the smile off my face the entire time watching Piper and Brendan butt heads. And what a hunk of man Brendan was, honey! He had me swooning from the start. I loved how exasperated he was with Piper but still managed to show her patience (even when she frustrated him to no end) which then turned into this tender sweetness which then ramped up to this wild attraction. Piper is very much that stereotypical spoiled rich girl at the beginning, and it was so satisfying to watch her come into her own and forge her path to fulfillment. I also appreciated how much research Bailey must've done into the fishing industry because she was able to use that to drive home just how dangerous Brendan's job is so you were just as nervous as Piper whenever he went out on these long trips. I still found Bailey's dialogue a bit cringy at times, especially in the steamier scenes, but it was a definite improvement from her others I've read and overall, this was just such a delight to read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Looking for the perfect summer beach read? Look no further than Tessa Bailey’s “It Happened One Summer,” releasing July 13. Thanks to @AvonBooks & @HarperVoyageUS & @netgalley for the ARC.
Piper is a spoiled, wealthy socialite, known for throwing parties and looking fabulous. After a bad breakup with her latest fling, she ends up arrested and her stepdad (who also bankrolls her) sends her to her dead father’s bar in a small fishing town for three months as punishment. While there, she meets Brendan, gruff captain of a fishing boat, who sees right through her flighty exterior and puts her on edge. Sparks fly between them as Piper and her sister start to rebuild her father’s bar, and learn more about her father, who died at sea when she was only 4 years old.
Tessa Bailey writes a dynamite love story - the sex scenes are HOT, and Brendan is completely sultry and demanding. At first, it’s hard to like Piper - she seems disconnected from the world and highly privileged. Where the author shines is in allowing Brendan and the areader to discover all of the beautiful, optimistic and loving parts of Piper’s personality at the same time. Although love changes all of us, Piper remains true to who she is - and Brendan loves every pampered and “high maintenance” inch of her.
Let’s talk about Brendan, my new favorite book boyfriend. In addition to being completely ripped, he is tender towards Piper, and frequently stops to ensure that they are communicating properly. It’s refreshing to read about an alpha hero who is ALL IN with the heroine, and WANTS to communicate. That’s not to say that he gets it right all the time - but that willingness to try is sexy.
Overall, this is one of the most charming books I’ve read so far this year. Halfway through reading, I realized my cheeks hurt from continuously smiling - and sometimes, that kind of humor and writing is just what you need.
I was so excited to read a book set in Westport, Washington. This is a community I've visited and it has an angsty, fiercely independent vibe that Tessa Bailey captured so well. Brendan is the perfect, wounded, grumpy hero for such a setting and I loved how Piper was his polar opposite: wealthy, materialistic, and not at all accustomed to the commercial fishermen lifestyle.
Piper and Brendan's internal conflicts, wounds and character growth kept me fully invested in this story from start to finish.
Heartfelt and smoking hot, It Happened One Summer will leave contemporary romance fans wanting more. I for one can't wait to read Hannah and Fox's story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions stated here are my own.
It happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey is a cute rom-com when that main character gets cut off by her family then meets a guy who she does not exactly like at first but grows to love. This is the perfect beach read.
Utter perfection in a book.
Over the years I’ve really been able to hone in on what works for me in a contemporary romance and what doesn’t. Every single thing about this book worked for me.
28-year old Piper is a socialite. She walks among the rich and famous, partying and looking pretty. Her stepfather is a film producer and has given Piper and her sister a cushy life. Everything she could have ever needed has been handed to her. She’s never had to work a day in her life, never had to worry about a thing other than when her next nail appointment will be. After going overboard one night, Piper’s stepfather steps in demanding change. He decides Piper needs a reality check and sends her to a small fishing village where she spent the first couple years of her life, hoping that reconnecting with her roots might help make her recognize how much more there is to life. Needless to say, when Piper arrives to Westport with her sister in tow she’s in way over her head. The dingy old bar, the grumpy crabbing Captain and the seaside small town is unlike anything she’s ever seen before and it’s going to take a lot for her to settle in.
Tessa Bailey really kills it when it comes to writing the grumpy hero/sunshine heroine trope. Brendan is set in his ways. He doesn’t like change of routine, so when clueless L.A. girl Piper shows up in his small town announcing her and her sister are taking over No Name, the empty bar him and his crew like to hangout in, he’s disgruntled. And every time he runs in to Piper in town, she just keeps managing to get under his skin. While Piper can be described as an airhead, she is such a beam of light, always lighting up a room. Every interaction she makes with the people of Westport counts and seeing her impact on them all was really heartwarming.
The balance between her and Brendan was such a joy and watching Piper grow into herself was the kind of character development I adore.
The steam was everything you’d expect from a Tessa Bailey novel! Brendan is definitely an alpha, but has such depth to him. That man simps HARD for Piper and I absolutely loved it. The sex scenes are incredibly hot and and flirting/banter was so perfectly executed.
This book is probably Bailey’s best. I cannot wait to see where she’s going to take this series because book 2 seems just as promising, if not more so, than this one. Romance lovers, you need to pick this one up in July.
(Also, what drew me in was that I heard it was perfect for fans of Schitt’s Creek and I’m here to say, YES! Piper and Alexis are soul sisters and I adored every single second of Piper discovering her worth just as I did watching Alexis discover hers).
From the first few pages, I was fully invested in Piper’s story. A rich LA party girl with no responsibilities is cut off and forced to live in a small seaside town...yes, please! This is a quick read despite the book being over 400 pages (pretty long for a rom-com).
The side characters and the setting were my favorite parts of this novel - Westport was so magical and eclectic and the residents of Westport only added to it. Piper’s character development was great but truly happened overnight. Not realistic or believable but the story was still fun so I didn’t mind too much. Piper and Hannah’s newfound connection to their father and his hometown was a beautiful element and one I wish would’ve been touched on more, their mother was basically nonexistent and I think there could’ve been a great storyline between the thee of them at the end. Overall, this is a great, fun, steamy read for the summer.
I just didn't really feel anything for the relationship while reading this, so that kinda zapped some of the enjoyment out. But it was a quick, fast paced read, and there was a lot of really great humor that made me fly through the book. Plus I do think that Piper and Brendan had great chemistry, but Piper was incredibly annoying and not so much in an endearing way.
I loved this one! Loved the banter and tension build up between Piper and Brendan. I loved how much Brendan broke down her walls and how much Piper came into her own. The steam was great! Im so looking forward to Hannah and Fox’s book next!
Perfect for fans of Schitt's Creek and The Simple Wild - this is a great summer romance. The dynamic between Piper and Brendan was so fun with great banter and tension. I loved Piper as a character (and yes, I did read her with Alexis Rose's voice lol); she was very much who she was and didn't apologize for liking what she liked, but had a heart of gold and was also able to learn and grow.
As I've come to expect with Bailey's stories, there was some great steam, some really heartfelt moments, and a few parts that make me roll my eyes a bit (like the overuse of pet names/endearments). I also would have liked to see more of Piper's relationship with Opal be shown on the page; I think it would have added even more to the whole story. I really enjoyed the setting of Westport and I'm excited there's going to be at least one more book with Hannah and Fox. This is definitely one of my favorites I've read by Tessa Bailey.
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.